New CEO at Young Camden Foundation

Welcome to Keith Morgan who joins YCF as the new CEO starting in November.

Volunteer with VAC and develop experience and skills in public health

VAC can provide training, and sessional work opportunities for committed volunteers. Benefits include free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) training to volunteer Health Advocates for Community Links, part of a new Care Navigation and Social Prescribing service in Camden. See Jobs and Volunteers section below for full details.

Camden Patient Participation Group

Sharing Platform Comoodle has Come to Camden

Comoodle is an easy way to share Stuff, Skills and Spaces to support great community projects. It has been successful in Kirklees… and it is now available to the people of Camden.
Do you have canopies to lend for a rainy day event? Do you have a skill that you would like to offer as a volunteer? Do you have a room that is always the last one to get booked? Comoodle is perfect for these scenarios and more… and will also work if you are looking for Stuff, Spaces or Skills.
It’s free to use and you can get started by listing things you can lend or that you would like to borrow here.

Camden Supplementary Schools Forum

Friday 19th October, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
5 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, London, N1C 4AG ( Room 11.12 Kingsgate)
The forum will be an opportunity to network and hear from Camden Learning about plans and support that is available to supplementary schools. You will also be hearing from guest speakers on topics such as mentoring, training, projects, accreditation and funding.
Please confirm your attendance by emailing suzie.yassin@camden.gov.uk with name(s) of attendee(s) and name of organisation.

Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Black Britain and the Creative Industries

Tuesday 2 Oct 7pm-9:0pm in the Knowledge Centre in partnership with MOBO.
More info here If you are interested in attending, please contact Amber.Perrier@bl.uk or call on 020 7412 7250 to book your place.

Volunteer Managers’ Forum: Networking & Peer Support

Join Volunteer Centre Camden for the Volunteer Managers’ Forum Tuesday 13th November, 10am-1pm in Camden to discuss all things volunteer management with volunteer managers in Camden, and beyond.
The topics will be varied, and can be anything related to managing volunteers – and will be decided by you on the day. Book at Eventbrite.

Meet the Contractors

Wednesday 3rd of October 3 to 7pm. Come along to the old Charlie Ratchford Centre on Belmont Street to hear about the new Charlie Ratchford Centre, a resource for older people, that Camden are building on Crogsland Road and the plans for the Belmont Street site. For more info contact Mark Brown at Local Dialogue on: 020 7357 6606 or email mark.brown@localdialogue.com

Do you have views on current bone & joint surgery, such has hip and knee replacements?

North London Partners in health and care (NLP) has launched a review of adult elective orthopaedic care services across north central London.
At present, elective adult orthopaedic care is delivered in 10 different sites in the area. The NHS believes there may be opportunities to improve that care by creating a smaller number of specialist centres.
You are invited to an open event on Thursday 18 October from 2pm – 4pm, to hear the thinking to date, and give your thoughts for the future.
Book your place at: info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk
If you are unable to come to the event, or you would like to give your thoughts in writing, you can read the full ‘case for change’ on the NLP website.

Temporary community garden comes to the British Library

The British Library proposes creating a new community garden on Ossulston Street, where the Francis Crick Institute previously had their construction compound.
There are two community consultation drop-ins to outline proposals to the wider Somers Town community at the Living Centre on Ossulston Street.
Tuesday 2 October 4pm – 8pm
Thursday 4 October 4pm- 8pm
The team will also be at the Regents Park Community Festival, ‘ThoughtFest’ on 5 and 6 October.

Street Vet

StreetVet provides free veterinary care and support for homeless pet owners who cannot afford veterinary treatment. The team consists of qualified vets and registered veterinary nurses that volunteer throughout London bringing the vet consulting room to the street. The StreetVet team volunteer in Camden outside the HSBC every Wednesday evening from 8pm till 9pm.

Healthwatch Camden’s Community Forum

Tuesday 23 October at 4.30. Have your say by attending the event and help to make sure that Camden’s health and social care services are the most people-focused in the country. The location is the Living Centre. RSVP for more information to info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk

Age Friendly Museums Day

Saturday 6 October 2018
Age Friendly Museum Day is about welcoming older people and their families to our wonderful museums. Find out more here.

Camden Disability Action

Camden Stories in the News

The Camden New Journal carried a warning from a number of Camden voluntary organisations that the introduction of Universal Credit would cause a crisis in the borough. Eleanor Botwright of Castlehaven Community Assocation called for the introduction to a least be delayed until after the winter.
Camden Council launched the Camden’s Youth Safety Taskforce report which proposes collective community response to break the cycle of exploitation of young people in the borough. Camden Council will be allocating £500,000 of funding to help the council, partners and the community to act upon some of the report’s key recommendations. The funding will be spent over a two-year period.

See the Funding pages on VAC’s website for all the latest information.

The Funding Network and Camden Giving

Live Crowdfunding event for local charity projects. Camden Giving are working with The Funding Network to host the inaugural funding network meeting with four local change-making organisations, 4 October, 7.00 – 9.30 at the Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, NW1. Info and tickets at Camden Giving.

Magic Little Grants

Over 400 grants of £500 available for local charities and community groups delivering sports and physical activities
Info and applications at localgiving.org

Taking Action on the Social Determinants of Health

A grant programme for UK Public Health Network organisations to work with partners from outside of public health to take action on the social determinants
This grant programme funds partnership projects between UK Public Health Network organisations and partners from outside of the public health community. Full details here.

The HS2 Camden Fund

The Camden Fund aims to strengthen the sense of place and alleviate the disruption of the development of HS2 Ltd. on local people by achieving one or more of the following aims:
1. A Happier and Healthier Camden
2. A Better Connected Camden
3. A Stronger Voluntary and Community Sector
We aim to inform applicants of the result of their application within 16 weeks. Applicants can submit applications at any point between midnight on the 15th May 2018 and midnight on the 14th May 2020. Full details at Camden Giving.

Need a Venue near Chalk Farm?

VAC now has 3 new rooms to hire out for Events/Training, etc. at our new base in the Charlie Ratchford Centre in Chalk Farm.
The Dining Room can hold up to 60 people, this can be useful for any large social events, AGMs, conferences, etc.
The Buffet Room can hold up to 20 people comfortably for training/workshops
The Lounge is a open area for anything that is not confidential and can hold up to 20 people
Rates and full details on the VAC website.

‘Creating a Stronger Voluntary & Community Sector’

Thursday, November 15, 5:30 PM 7:00 PM
Camden Giving has funding available through the HS2 Camden Fund for creating a ‘Stronger Voluntary and Community Sector’. We will share some tips and ideas about applications you could consider applying to us for under this strand so that you can begin to plan your project proposal.
This free workshop is aimed at not-for-profits with an income of less than £500k, whose projects/activities benefit Camden communities.
Click here to book a place or email danielle@camdengiving.org.uk.

Family Cook & Eat on a Budget Workshops at Castlehaven

October 3,10,17, 31 November 7, 14
The Haven, 23 Castlehaven Road, NW1 8RU
Learn to cook a family meal on a budget at Castlehaven. The sessions are designed to be fun and interactive for the whole family.
Dinner is made in class so you can relax at home. Click here for more info.

10 Years of Camden Green Gym

Camden Green Gym are celebrating ten productive and enjoyable years, and would like to invite you to join us to celebrated at the Waterlow Park kitchen garden on Tuesday 16th October. View the October programme here.
Please rsvp by 5th October to gg-Camden@tcv.org.u

Mighty Oaks Confidence Building Course

5, 10, 18, 19 & 26 October
At West Euston Partnership, 29-31 Hampstead Road, London NW1 3JA
Our qualified coach will help you gain a more positive mindset and take action to achieve your goals. Feedback on our previous courses has been excellent.
For more information, you can also watch this short video: https://vimeo.com/288222025 To book, contact David Hermanstein on 020 7388 7932/07908845154 or david.hermanstein@camden.gov.uk

Holborn Community Fun Palace

7th October 10.30am – 4pm, Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, WC1R 4RL
Create a piece of art, take part in a science experiment, or find out more about the history of the local area, the Fun Palace is a day to come along and try something new, whether you’re 4 or 94! There’s something for everyone.
More information here: or email hazel.east@holborncommunity.co.uk

Musculoskeletal health & wellbeing in Camden

An opportunity to meet the Camden MSK management team and our partners.
Wed 17 October 11am to 2.30pm at Charlie Ratchford Centre, Belmont Street
Jonathan Hearsey – what is Camden MSK and how do we help the people of Camden?
Lorraine Patel – what happens once a GP refers you?
Cristina Serrao – do you want to get involved with shaping the service?
Information stalls and Q&A session with local organisations including Connect, Camden Carers, iCope, IESO Digital Health, Women In Health, Age UK, VAC.
Register with Cristina Serrao, MSK Patient Director cristina.serrao@nhs.net

Free Wellness Gardening Sessions at Castlehaven

The Horticulture Hub, Corner of Hartland & Hawley Roads, Camden Town, London, NW1
We host Wellness Gardening sessions on Tuesdays from 1PM. Next week you can learn how to make your own herb garden, including medicinal herbs.
Click here for more information on next Tuesday’s session, or contact Nichola on 020 7692 2241

Camden Community Festivals

Reimagining Our Churches: Conservation to Co-operation

Tuesday 9th October. To bring together key people in the church, heritage sector, and those working in community economic development.
• Can church assets be a significant part of local wealth building approaches?
• Can a strategic funding mix of crowdfunding, community shares, and grants enable communities and funders to invest?
• What is the role of co-operative and community businesses in this sector and can this facilitate more conservation and care for church buildings?
• Beyond charity: Can churches become enablers? What are the cultural challenges and opportunities?
The conference will be held at St Ethelburga’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, EC2. Full details on the Stir to Action website.

October Volunteering Fair

Looking to recruit volunteers in Camden or Islington?
Bookings are now open for the Volunteer Centre Camden Supersized Volunteering Fair on Wednesday 31st October, 12-2pm.
This fair is co-hosted with Volunteer Centre Islington and takes place in King’s Cross at Voluntary Action Islington on Pentonville Road.
This is open to all voluntary organisations that have volunteering in Camden, Islington and their borders.

Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre seeks Director

Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre is a well-established voluntary organisation that provides a range of services to South Asian women mostly in and around Camden. We provide information and advice, support and advocacy, education and training and a range of services to children and families. We also deliver the Homecare Service for LB Camden in Camden South. This is a new 5 year contract
Hopscotch is currently recruiting a new Director to lead the work of the organisation in this new phase of growth and development.
Salary: £47,096-£53,792 depending on experience
35 hours (part time will be considered)
We are looking for an experienced senior charity leader. You will be:
• Decisive and performance oriented, as well as inspirational and ambitious
• A good communicator, able to influence, negotiate at all levels
• Financially savvy, able to fundraise and manage complex contracts and charity accounts
• Passionate about delivering excellent services to women, BAME communities and local people
Ideally, you will have experience in health and care and/or specialist women’s services. Safeguarding Level 2 to be completed immediately on hiring, if not already held, and an Enhanced DBS certificate.
For a full application pack please visit www.hopscotchawc.org.uk and to apply please send your CV and a cover letter addressing why you are the right candidate to the Interim Director, Elizabeth Balgobin, at Elizabeth.balgobin@hopscotchawc.org.uk. If you are interested in the position and want to know more, please do send an e-mail or call on 020 7388 8198.
Closing Date: Midday Monday, 15th October. Interviews: 26th October – tbc

Volunteer with VAC and develop experience and skills in public health

VAC provide training, and sessional work opportunities for committed volunteers
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
• Do you live, work or volunteer in Camden?
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) training to volunteer Health Advocates for Community Links, part of a new Care Navigation and Social Prescribing service in Camden. Community Links Health Advocates signpost residents to community based activities and help with formal referrals where community based activities are needed alongside clinical care.
Volunteers will have access to other health related training, and will be part of a large multi-disciplinary team that meets monthly to develop the service and explore health related issues. After 3 months, active volunteers will have opportunities to take up occasional paid sessional work alongside their volunteering.
Placements are in GP practices and other community locations. In return for your commitment to the project, we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact:
Mandira Manandhar, Community Links Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/6573 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk

Action Tutoring seeks Volunteers

Action Tutoring, an education charity supporting disadvantaged young people with their English and maths attainment. We do this by engaging local people as volunteer tutors, and offering them the opportunity to support our school-based tutoring programmes. Our commitment requirement is just an hour a week, over the course of 8-10 weeks. Apply here to volunteer just one hour a week to support disadvantaged young people.

Cocoon Family Support seeks Trustees

Are you passionate about perinatal mental health? Cocoon Family Support is currently recruiting new trustee’s to help us continue our vital work supporting families across London.
Cocoon provides support for families across London who are suffering with perinatal mental health issues and difficult emotions pre and postnatally. We do this by offering weekly peer support groups, creative therapy courses, mindfulness sessions, outings and activities. We have recently secured two NHS contracts – one with NHS England(London) and one with South East London STP to provide a lived experience voice and project.
We are now looking for Trustees to help us take the next step in our growth. We want people who are excited by our work, and who bring energy, commitment and networks to our Board. If you would like to join us in our journey please get in touch and we will provide you with our trustee application pack – info@cocoonfamilysupport.org

Solace Women’s Aid seeks Volunteers

Refuge Support Volunteer
We are looking for an approachable volunteers with good interpersonal skills, self-motivated and able to carry out tasks unsupervised, flexible and interested in Domestic and Sexual Violence and its impact on women and children. This is an extremely varied role, helping with the day to day running of the refuge and supporting women and children affected by Domestic and Sexual Violence.Children & Families Assistant
Our generic Camden Refuge Services are recruiting new volunteers to support their team. The C & F volunteer assistant will be supporting the day to day running of the children’s service. This may include: Supporting women to attend appointments, Draw up activity timetables, Running groups, Keeping records of all activities and Making contact with women via telephone. Experience of working with children and running groups for women/children is essential.Sessional Group Volunteers: Holistic Therapeutic Support Service
Do you have a skill or talent that you would love to share with female survivors of domestic abuse? The content of our groups is flexible and range from creative skills, performance, writing, health & wellbeing. The idea candidate must have the appropriate qualifications & training.
For further information and to apply please visit our website

Volunteers are needed in GP practices

Voluntary Action Camden (VAC) are training volunteers to become Community Health Advocates in local GP practices.
• Would you like to support people in your community to improve their health and their access to services that will help them to maintain good health and wellbeing?
• Do you want to develop experience and skills in the field of public health?
• Can you commit at least 2 hours per week?
VAC is offering free Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 training to those who want to volunteer to become Community Health Advocates.
After completing the training, VAC will support local teams of volunteers to act as links between community based services and GPs. In return for your commitment to the project for 2 hours a week we offer support, out of pocket expenses and other professional development opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mandira Manandhar, Health Advocate Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mon, Tues and Thurs) 020 7284 6550/07930669417 or email: mmanandhar@vac.org.uk

Expressions of Interest Sought by Camden to run the Centre for Independent Living Café

Greenwood Place is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in October 2018, with services moving in during November 2018.
More information can be found here
For more information contact Christina.Smith2@camden.gov.uk

Community Mental Health Hubs – VCS Consultation Event

As part of its St Pancras Transformation programme, currently at public consultation stage, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust wants to improve its community services by developing mental health hubs in the community. These aim to consolidate services that are currently provided across 30 sites, and collaborate with community partners to provide service users and local communities with more holistic care and proactive approaches to staying well. We are interested in talking with voluntary sector organisations across Camden and Islington to see how we can best deliver this vision and therefore invite you to a meeting on 5th October (9.30-11.00) at St Pancras Hospital (Room 4, 1st Floor, West Wing).
If you would like to attend, please email Edward.cox@candi.nhs.uk to confirm.

Have Your Say on Air Quality

Camden is seeking feedback from residents, schools and businesses in Camden on how to improve the air we breathe and would like to hear from you.
Read the full details and join the conversation by Sunday 30 September.
To take part click here.

Do you have views on current bone & joint surgery, such has hip and knee replacements?

For information on the case for change and the opportunity to give feedback – click here.
North London Partners in health and care (NLP) is launching a review of adult elective orthopaedic care services (planned surgery of bones and joints) across north central London.
In the first phase of this review, the partnership is inviting responses to a draft case for change – a document which shares why the review is needed and early thoughts on how this kind of surgery might be organised in the future. This review will run through to Spring 2019 with this initial intensive engagement phase running until 19 October 2018

Want to Hire Meeting Rooms in Camden?

You can now access an easy to search database of community spaces for hire in Camden – vcs rooms. Search by room type, capacity, ward, postcode etc.
Find on the One Camden website.